The Liberia Football Association (LFA) launched its four-year strategic plan aimed at transforming women’s football in Liberia recently. With the support of notable dignitaries such as representatives from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the West African Football Union (WAFU) and partners like the UN Women Liberia, this plan will take women’s football from the grassroots to international levels.

This plan spans from 2024 to 2027 and is beyond that a roadmap reflecting Liberia’s investment in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment through football. Nationally, all women and girls would now be supported in their attempts to pursue sporting careers with the vision of Liberia leading women’s football across Africa.

A Game-Changing Initiative

This strategic plan was pitched with a great vision toward women’s football in Liberia. Meskerem Goshine, CAF’s Head of Women’s Football, praised the LFA for its dedication, specifically recognizing 3rd Vice President Jodie Seton and the Women’s Football Department. According to Goshine, this initiative is pivotal for Liberia’s development in the sport and shows the nation’s commitment to empowering young girls and women.

“It is an investment in the future of women’s football in Liberia,” Goshine said. “The LFA’s focus on the development of women’s play sets out a blueprint for great opportunities for young female players.”

Building a Solid Structure for the Future

Jodie Reid-Seton, 3rd Vice President and Chair of Women’s Football at the LFA, further emphasized the plan’s core mission: to build a sustainable structure that nurtures talent from the grassroots level to international teams. She outlined a vision that not only supports players but also aligns with the broader objectives of the LFA.

The goal is clear: foster the growth of football without discrimination.

Milestones and Successes

Veronic Malack, in her remarks at the event, highlighted the recent achievements in Liberian women’s football. She celebrated the victories of Determine Girls in Sierra Leone’s WAFU Zonal tournament and individual player success, including Jessica Quashie’s Player of the Tournament title and Dekontee Jackson’s top goal scorer recognition in Senegal.

The great success achieved in women’s football in Liberia speaks for a bright future. With such merits already, the strategic plan would reaffirm this success and create more opportunities for young women to shine on the international stage.

Empowerment Through Sport

Liberia’s Sports Minister, Cllr. Bangalu, also shared his optimism about the strategic plan. He acknowledged that this initiative not only supports women’s football but aligns with the national government’s broader goals for development.

Key Goals of the Strategic Plan

• Develop a robust grassroots program to nurture young talent.
• Promote gender equality through football initiatives.
• Elevate Liberia’s presence in international women’s football competitions.
• Ensure access to football opportunities for all women, regardless of background.

A Roadmap for Empowering Women’s Football in Liberia

Though initially running across time, this strategic plan marks a significant leap toward achieving gender equality in sport and empowering women through football. While targeting grassroots development and appealing to international competitiveness, the LFA is setting Liberia on a path to becoming a powerhouse in women’s football within the region.